Władysław Bartoszewski
Secretary of State, plenipotentiary for International Dialogue
Born 19th February 1922 in Warsaw.
Took part in the civilian defence of Warsaw in September 1939.
In 1940, after being apprehended in a round-up in Żoliborz district in Warsaw, sent to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp wherefrom he was released in 1941 thanks to the Polish Red Cross. In the same year, started studying the Polish philology- initially (until 1944) at the clandestine Humanistic Department of Warsaw University.
Since November 1942 worked in the Government Home Representation organising help for Pawiak prisoners and for participants in the uprising in Warsaw Ghetto. Fought in the Warsaw Uprising; promoted to the rank of lieutenant by Home Army Commander General Tadeusz Komorowski “Bór”.
After the war, due to Stalinist repressions, forced to discontinue his studies. Wrote his master's thesis after readmission to the Polish Philology Department of Warsaw University in 1958. Relegated from studies by the University rector's decision in 1962. Cooperated with the National Remembrance Institute at the Presidium of the Council of Ministers and the Chief Commission for the Investigation of German Crimes in Poland. In 1946, got engaged in the activity of the anti-communist Polish People's Party. Editor of Gazeta Ludowa, Stolica and Tygodnik Powszechny, cooperated with Radio Free Europe. Since 1969, member of the board of Polish Pen Club. In the 1970's, due to his active oppositional activity and contacts in the West, banned to print in Poland (until autumn 1974) and subjected to other repressions. In August 1980, signed the letter of intellectuals addressed to the striking workers. Joined the Solidarity union. Interned during martial law period.
Has the title of professor bestowed on him by the government of Bavaria, where in the 1980's he lectured Polish modern history. In the years 1990-1995, Polish ambassador in Austria, twice Polish foreign minister (1995, 2000-2001) and senator (1997-2001). Chairman of the Board of the Polish Institute of International Affairs. Decorated with Cavalier's Cross of the Order of Reborn Poland for aiding Jews during the war, Commander's Cross with Star of Polonia Restituta Order, Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and Righteous Among Nations medal.
Contact to the office:
Took part in the civilian defence of Warsaw in September 1939.
In 1940, after being apprehended in a round-up in Żoliborz district in Warsaw, sent to the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp wherefrom he was released in 1941 thanks to the Polish Red Cross. In the same year, started studying the Polish philology- initially (until 1944) at the clandestine Humanistic Department of Warsaw University.
Since November 1942 worked in the Government Home Representation organising help for Pawiak prisoners and for participants in the uprising in Warsaw Ghetto. Fought in the Warsaw Uprising; promoted to the rank of lieutenant by Home Army Commander General Tadeusz Komorowski “Bór”.
After the war, due to Stalinist repressions, forced to discontinue his studies. Wrote his master's thesis after readmission to the Polish Philology Department of Warsaw University in 1958. Relegated from studies by the University rector's decision in 1962. Cooperated with the National Remembrance Institute at the Presidium of the Council of Ministers and the Chief Commission for the Investigation of German Crimes in Poland. In 1946, got engaged in the activity of the anti-communist Polish People's Party. Editor of Gazeta Ludowa, Stolica and Tygodnik Powszechny, cooperated with Radio Free Europe. Since 1969, member of the board of Polish Pen Club. In the 1970's, due to his active oppositional activity and contacts in the West, banned to print in Poland (until autumn 1974) and subjected to other repressions. In August 1980, signed the letter of intellectuals addressed to the striking workers. Joined the Solidarity union. Interned during martial law period.
Has the title of professor bestowed on him by the government of Bavaria, where in the 1980's he lectured Polish modern history. In the years 1990-1995, Polish ambassador in Austria, twice Polish foreign minister (1995, 2000-2001) and senator (1997-2001). Chairman of the Board of the Polish Institute of International Affairs. Decorated with Cavalier's Cross of the Order of Reborn Poland for aiding Jews during the war, Commander's Cross with Star of Polonia Restituta Order, Grand Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany and Righteous Among Nations medal.
Contact to the office:
- tel.: +48 (22) 694 66 68, 694 75 45
- fax: +48 (22) 694 74 34
- e-mail: bpdm@kprm.gov.pl
- www: www.bpdm.kprm.gov.pl